Apple iWatch Rumours Ahead of WWDC

Apple has long since been rumoured to be venturing into the area of wearable tech, and the biggest of these surrounds the development of the so-called iWatch. This product has long been expected by those in the industry, but the company has not yet confirmed anything on it. However, with the World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) coming in the first week of June, many are hoping that the Apple iWatch rumours ahead of this year’s WWDC will be realized.

With the WWDC coming up in just over one week, many are expecting the company to release some information or concept design surrounding the supposed product that has captured the imagination of techies for some time now. CEO Tim Cook stated last month that the company is looking to launch some new products this autumn, and that they were working on expanding into new product categories. There have certainly been some other hints that they are indeed working on this product, giving credence to the hopes that Apple will help realize the iWatch rumours ahead of this years WWDC.

Some of the hints include the initial report that over 100 people had been brought in to the company to help with the product, including software and hardware developers who had been previously attached to the iPad. There have been suggestions of more “intimate” products from Apple board member Bill Campbell as well. These, and the previous patent filing for a wearable computer designed for the wrist have all stoked the flames of imagination.

Several independent designers have released their own concepts of what the device may look like. One of these includes a rendering that Argentinian designer Danny Mindspi has dubbed the iWatch Goliath, while others have envisioned a more sleek product. Another includes a bracelet-style device.

With respect to software, there have been a number of reports that the iWatch would be a health-conscious product. Rumoured to be running the iOS8 which some have said would be released in September of this year, the watch may also include the proposed Healthbook app. This app would help to monitor a variety of physiological health indices, including heart rate, blood pressure, weight and glucose levels. It would apparently also help track exercise-related data such as steps taken, calories burned, and even help remind users about medications.

Apple may feel some pressure to announce information about this product sooner rather than later, and the WWDC next month seems like the perfect time to do that. With other major companies already announcing or releasing wearable products, the company will be expected to compete in that market. Major rival Google has announced the release of the G Watch, using rival Android software. However, Cook has previously said that Apple may not always be the first guest to the party, but they always aim to be best, so the company may be willing to delay release of the iWatch to ensure that the product is good enough to be an instant hit.

Regardless, with the explosion in wearable tech, there will no doubt be pressure on Apple to come out with something in that market soon. While Cook has stated that this autumn will see new product launches, he will have to offer up something to keep investors and consumers happy. Given the plethora of Apple iWatch rumours ahead of next month’s WWDC, that would be the perfect time to do it.